04. September 2025
Admin
Japan – Kochi University Special Scholarship Program (SSP) 2025 (Fully Funded)
The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) in Japan is offering a prestigious **Special Scholarship Program (SSP)** for doctoral candidates. This fully funded PhD scholarship supports exceptional international students in engineering fields, with comprehensive coverage including tuition, living stipends, and more.
Quick Insight: Eligible doctoral students receive full tuition coverage, entrance fee waivers, a generous living stipend, as well as travel and settling allowances—offering a rare opportunity to pursue world-class research in a peaceful and innovative setting.
1. Degree Level & Disciplines
Fully funded **PhD (3 years)** in the Graduate School of Engineering. Research areas include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Systems
- Information Systems
- Material Science
- Biotechnology & Bioengineering
2. Benefits
Recipients of the SSP enjoy:
- Full tuition waiver (approx. ¥535,800/year)
- Entrance exam & enrollment fee waivers (¥15,000 and ¥300,000 respectively)
- Monthly living stipend: ¥150,000 for 3 years
- One-time travel & initial allowance: ¥150,000 (for international students)
3. Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must:
- Obtain permission from a preferred SSP supervisor before applying.
- Hold or be about to complete a Master’s degree (18 years of education).
- Be aged 35 or younger at enrollment.
- Have an outstanding academic record.
- Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL iBT ≥ 72, Writing ≥ 17; or IELTS ≥ 5.5).
4. Application Timeline
For the April and October 2026 intakes:
- Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
- Screening: October–November 2025
- Results Announced: Mid-December 2025
- Enrollment Registration: By January 9, 2026
Final Thoughts
The SSP at Kochi University of Technology offers a rare fully funded path for international scholars to pursue advanced research in engineering. With excellent financial support and hands-on guidance from supervisors, it’s ideal for those seeking immersive research experience in a tranquil Japanese environment.
Reminder: Contact a prospective supervisor early, and ensure all documentation—including your research proposal—is complete and tailored to the SSP’s requirements.
